I am running for mayor of Augusta. During my 20 years serving as a municipal officer, in Manchester and in Augusta, I have been an active member of Maine Municipal Association’s Legislative Policy Committee. I am concerned about the “appearance of a conflict of interest” that may have existed with my opponent Bill Dowling when he was mayor before, and now as a candidate again.

He is executive officer of Dirigo Advisors (formerly Harper’s), recipients of many TIFs from Augusta. Quoting from Maine Municipal Association Legal Department’s “Ethics” packet for elected officials: “The basic rationale of ethics among municipal officials is to foster and preserve public trust in the fundamental integrity of local government. Even when an official’s conduct may not be legally proscribed (illegal), personal relationships or competing interests may create an appearance of impropriety sufficient to undermine public confidence in the fairness and honesty of local officials.”

Well?

Mike Byron

Ward 1 City Councilor

Augusta